It seems as if we just passed our 2009 holiday season and already I’m suggesting you publicize your product or service for December 2010. Have I gone mad??

The reality is that several major magazines work up to 6 months in advance in choosing their holiday gift suggestions and their experts to contribute to holiday-themed stories. Now is the time to start preparing your pitches so you don’t accidentally miss the deadline!

A few things you can do now to prepare for a holiday publicity magazine splash:

• Make a list of 10 major magazines you’d love to get coverage in that are appropriate for product/service. 
• Search online for the magazine’s media kit. Often times the editorial calendar is easily found online and can provide hints as to what the December issue will feature (example: Holiday gifts under $20, holiday gifts that give back)
• Contact the magazine and ask who will be managing the gift guide for 2010. Sometimes the appropriate section editor chooses the items and sometimes one editor is assigned to compile the gift guide.
• If you’re in the NYC area (where most major magazines are located), try to set a deskside appointment. A deskside is an in-person meeting with an editor where you can present your product line or present yourself as an expert resource. Remember to only contact the appropriate editor to ask for this! Expect the meeting to be extremely brief and bring a media kit and samples (if applicable).
• Get amazing, eye-catching product photos (if you don’t have them already). While most major magazines will photograph the products for their issues, you will certainly catch their eye if you can show how beautifully your product will photograph on a page!
• Have your holiday pitch perfected. Know why your product is a great holiday gift or have excellent and brand-new tips/advice to share as an expert resource.

Getting an early start on your holiday pitching increases your chances of getting those coveted placements.

Happy Pitching!